The folks behind the scenes for the film “Crazy Rich Asians” had a big decision to make before beginning production — Netflix or theatrical? As author Kevin Kwan and filmmaker Jon M. Chu discussed during the press rounds, they had to decide between a “gigantic” payday (and a guaranteed trilogy) with Netflix or risk it all on a theatrical run that could end up crashing and burning. And with this weekend, we’ve found the results of the big decision, and it appears that the theatrical risk is paying off.
With the rare Wednesday release, and eventual 5-day “weekend,” the rom-com with an all-Asian cast pulled in an estimated $34 million. Sure, that number isn’t going to shatter records and make box office analysts sit in awe, but it’s a strong showing for a film that wasn’t guaranteed anything. And even if you look at the 3-day weekend, “Crazy Rich Asians” still pulled in a very impressive $25.2 million, which is enough for a #1 showing over the debut frame.
The real question is whether or not “Crazy Rich Asians” will have the legs that many are hoping for. But by all accounts, the debut is exactly what the studio was hoping for. And as long as it continues to post impressive results, it appears Kwan’s other novels in the ‘Asians’ series could be coming to the big screen eventually, as well.
Not to be outdone, last week’s surprise showing from “The Meg” turned out to not be a fluke, as the Jason Statham shark flick posted another great weekend, only dropping -54% for an estimated $21 million. Considering many predicted the film to only post $20-ish million its first weekend, a second weekend like this is impressive by any standard. However, as we mentioned last week, the domestic total is still going to fall short of bringing “The Meg” into profitability. But the good hold shows the film will easily cross $100 million by next weekend and should post a respectable domestic total.
“Crazy Rich Asians” wasn’t the only major film releasing this weekend. Coming in at #3, the latest collab between director Peter Berg and star Mark Wahlberg, “Mile 22,” pulled in an estimated $13.6 million. No matter how you look at it, this is not a great showing for the two men involved. When you take into consideration the other three Berg/Wahlberg films, “Mile 22” only beats the opening weekend of “Patriots Day,” which posted a $11.6 million opening. However, the overall forecast for “Mile 22” is not great at all, with reviews being abysmal (currently has a 20% on Rotten Tomatoes).
READ MORE: Mark Wahlberg’s ‘Mile 22’ Is A Violent, Indecipherable, Self-Serious Disaster [Review]
The only other major release this weekend was “Alpha.” The film follows the “true story” of how a friendship between a man and a wolf became the basis for calling dogs “man’s best friend.” Or at least that’s what I think because I didn’t see the film, and it appears that not many other people did either, as “Alpha” earned $10.5 million. Despite earning good reviews (84% on Rotten Tomatoes), the film apparently didn’t strike a chord with audiences, as an opening this low almost guarantees the $50 million-budgeted film will be a loss for the studio.
The rest of the top 10 was uneventful, as “Mission: Impossible — Fallout” continues to post impressive results, with a $10.5 million weekend and a $180 million domestic total. Another standout from last week is Spike Lee’s “BlacKkKlansman,” which only dropped -35.5% for another solid weekend at #7 with $7 million.
Next week, real movie that actually exists “A.X.L.” debuts. So yeah, that’s a thing. Also, we see the highly-anticipated debut of comedy “Happytime Murders,” starring Melissa McCarthy and a bunch of dirty, raunchy puppets.
Here’s the full top 10 for August 17 to August 19:
1. Crazy Rich Asians — $25.2M ($34M Overall)
2. The Meg — $21M ($84M)
3. Mile 22 — $13.6M (Debut)
4. Alpha — $10.5M (Debut)
4. Mission: Impossible — $10.5M ($180.7M)
6. Disney’s Christopher Robin — $8.9M ($67M)
7. BlacKkKlansman — $7M ($23M)
8. Slender Man —$5M ($20.7M)
9. Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation — $3.7M ($154M)
10. Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again — $3.4M ($111M)